Aiken becomes a hot bed for Olympic training

AIKEN, SC---While it's a known fact about the success Aiken has had on the nation scene in the horse business, it's a little known fact there's plenty of Olympic talent located right here as well. Eventing is made up of dressage, cross country, and the premiere event, show jumping.

This past week, Olympic eventing coach Mark Phillips was in town lending his knowledge to those looking to further their career in the sport. Take Corinne Ashton. While not an Olympian, Ashton was able to work with Phillips and has been able to take a lot out of the experience.

"This is actually the first year that I've done it and I'm pleasantly surprised on how much good it's done" added Ashton "At the top level, it is difficult. The lower levels not so difficult but it's the willingness of their (horses) minds that the main thing. You can have all the talent in the world but if they don't want to do it, then there's no point."

Ashton does some jumping in U.S. Grand Prix events and also says while getting the instruction is great, having the right horse with the right temperament is the key to any of three eventing sports.

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